Which jury is responsible for deciding a defendant's guilt?

The jury that is responsible for deciding a defendant's guilt in a criminal trial is the trial jury, also known as the petit jury. This jury is composed of a group of citizens selected from the community to listen to the evidence presented during a trial and ultimately make a determination regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence based on that evidence.

The trial jury's role is critical in the judicial process, as it ensures the right to a fair trial by peers, a fundamental principle in the American legal system. The decision made by this jury must typically be unanimous, reflecting a collective agreement about whether the prosecution has met its burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In contrast, the grand jury serves a different purpose, primarily deliberating to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge an individual with a crime, not to decide guilt or innocence. The pleading jury is not a recognized term in legal proceedings and does not represent a functional group in the judiciary system. Therefore, the correct identification of the trial jury highlights its essential role in delivering justice through adjudication of guilt in criminal cases.